Omanghana
The Ghana Police Service has dismissed as false a flyer circulating on social media which claims that motorists and riders are prohibited from using AirPods, earphones and other audio devices under Ghanaian law.
In an official statement issued on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the Service said the publication did not originate from the police and was neither issued nor authorized by the institution.
Members of the public have consequently been asked to disregard the flyer and rely on verified police communication channels for information about traffic regulations and public safety.
Police Deny Issuing Viral Notice
The widely shared flyer presented itself as a police public-safety announcement and claimed that the use of audio devices while driving or riding had been strictly prohibited.
“The Service wishes to clarify that the flyer is not a communication of the Ghana Police Service. The Service has neither issued nor authorized the said publication,” the statement said.
The police clarification means the viral flyer should not be treated as an official interpretation or announcement of Ghana’s road traffic laws.
It does not, however, amount to an endorsement of motorists using devices that could interfere with their ability to drive safely.
Cybercrime Unit Begins Investigation
The Police Service disclosed that its Cybercrime Unit had begun efforts to trace and identify the individuals responsible for creating and circulating the false publication.
Authorities did not immediately disclose whether any suspects had been identified or what charges those responsible could face.
The investigation forms part of efforts to prevent the unauthorised use of the Service’s identity in publications capable of misleading the public.
False notices carrying the names, logos or branding of state institutions can create confusion, undermine public confidence and cause people to act on inaccurate information.
Motorists Warned Against Distractions
Although the flyer was declared fake, the police cautioned motorists, motorcyclists and other riders against using devices or engaging in activities that could distract them from the road.
Any activity that affects a road user’s attention, hearing, control of a vehicle or awareness of surrounding traffic may present a serious safety risk.
Listening to audio at a high volume, for example, could prevent a motorist or rider from hearing horns, emergency sirens, approaching vehicles or warnings from other road users.
Drivers and riders have therefore been advised to exercise maximum care and avoid anything that may reduce their ability to respond quickly to changing road conditions.
Police Cite Road Traffic Regulations
The Service urged road users to familiarize themselves with the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), and comply with all other applicable traffic laws.
Regulation 132 of L.I. 2519 prohibits a person from driving while holding, operating or using a mobile telephone or another communication device in one or both hands.
The false flyer should therefore not be interpreted as replacing the actual rules governing mobile devices, careless driving and road safety.
Motorists remain responsible for maintaining proper control of their vehicles and ensuring that their conduct does not endanger passengers, pedestrians or other road users.
Public Asked to Verify Police Announcements
The Ghana Police Service encouraged members of the public to verify questionable notices through its official website and verified social media accounts before sharing them.
The rapid circulation of the flyer demonstrates how easily an unofficial publication can be mistaken for a genuine directive, particularly when it uses authoritative language or official-looking designs.
The Service reiterated its commitment to enforcing traffic laws fairly and professionally while collaborating with relevant stakeholders to reduce crashes and improve safety.
While there is no official police announcement introducing the blanket ban described in the flyer, road users have been reminded that staying alert and avoiding distractions remain essential responsibilities whenever they are driving or riding.
Source: Omanghana
